Gaming group Crown Resorts has been given the green light to finally open the casino in its luxury skyscraper overlooking Sydney Harbour.

But the approval by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority for the gaming operations inside Crown Sydney’s Barangaroo complex is conditional for between 18 months and two years.

“Crown has rebuilt its gaming model from the ground up, which has meant deep structural change around governance, anti-money laundering measures and corporate culture,” regulator chair Philip Crawford said on Wednesday.

“After more than one year’s work with Crown, the authority is pleased to have reached a stage where Crown can open its casino operations on a conditional basis.”

The timeframe will allow the authority to monitor changes made at Crown Sydney and ensure they are “embedded” in the business.